Your browser doesn't support javascript.
Ivermectin: a mini-review.
Johnson-Arbor, Kelly.
  • Johnson-Arbor K; Department of Plastic Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
Clin Toxicol (Phila) ; 60(5): 571-575, 2022 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1711284
ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Avermectins are common antiparasitic drugs, derived from Streptomyces bacteria that exhibit activity against arthropods and nematodes. Ivermectin, an avermectin derivative, is used as a treatment for parasitic infections in humans and domesticated animals.

Discussion:

Ivermectin's mechanism of action involves binding to ligand-gated ion channel receptors including glutamate, GABA, and glycine, resulting in parasitic paralysis and death. Due to varying expression of these ion channel receptors in vertebrate species, ivermectin toxicity is rarely reported in mammals. Ivermectin is also a substrate for P-glycoprotein, which limits its neurological toxicity in humans. Genetic polymorphisms in P-glycoprotein or coadministration of P-glycoprotein inhibitors may increase the neurotoxicity of ivermectin. Other toxic effects of ivermectin after therapeutic oral use include edema, rash, headache, and ocular complaints. Most of these effects are mild and short in duration. Ivermectin exhibits antiviral effects in-vitro at very high concentrations. This has led to suggestions of ivermectin as a potential treatment for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection, although the drug's pharmacokinetic parameters reduce the likelihood that high concentrations of the drug can be achieved in-vivo.

Conclusion:

Due to concern for adverse events, specifically neurotoxicity, as well as a paucity of supporting evidence, the use of ivermectin as a routine treatment or preventive measure for COVID-19 infection is not recommended at this time.
Subject(s)
Keywords

Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Ivermectin / COVID-19 Drug Treatment Limits: Animals / Humans Language: English Journal: Clin Toxicol (Phila) Journal subject: Toxicology Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: 15563650.2022.2043338

Similar

MEDLINE

...
LILACS

LIS


Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Ivermectin / COVID-19 Drug Treatment Limits: Animals / Humans Language: English Journal: Clin Toxicol (Phila) Journal subject: Toxicology Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: 15563650.2022.2043338